Paschall's Picks: Vanderbilt awaiting air assault

Arkansas prefers to throw the ball. Vanderbilt prefers to intercept it.

An underrated Southeastern Conference matchup this week takes place in Nashville, where the pass-happy Razorbacks visit the somewhat stingy Commodores. Arkansas junior quarterback Tyler Wilson is far and away the league leader in passing with 287.3 yards a game, but Vanderbilt is tied for the lead nationally in interceptions with 15.

"I think it's going to be fun," Vandy coach James Franklin said Wednesday. "We're working like crazy during the week to be prepared, and on Saturday I'm going to be excited to watch our guys go play and go compete. I think that's going to be the key matchup in the game.

"Our DBs and the underneath coverage of our linebackers have got a tremendous challenge."

It can be argued that these teams are winding down October as the pleasant surprises in their respective divisions. Vandy could get within one game of bowl eligibility with a win Saturday, while the 6-1 Hogs are ahead of the pace set by last season's 10-win team that played in the Sugar Bowl.

"It definitely helps having been through it," Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said. "We battled back last year and had a nice winning streak going, and we understand how we did that."

Pasquali's Pix:

Arkansas at Vanderbilt: With a 4-3 start, the Commodores have matched their victory total from the past two seasons combined. Razorbacks 27, Commodores 13.

Furman at UTC: This SoCon showdown can be summed up in three words. Silk. Silk. Silk. Mocs 35, Paladins 21.

Florida vs. Georgia: Once upon a time, there was this blind squirrel that found a nut before Charlie Weis could. Bulldogs 24, Gators 17.

Navy at Notre Dame: Not to pile on the continued mediocrity that is Notre Dame football, but the Midshipmen are seeking their fourth series victory in five tries. Irish 30, Midshipmen 13.

Ole Miss at Auburn: Tigers coach Gene Chizik referred to the Rebels this week as "the best 2-5 team in the country." That's scary, because Utah State is 2-5. Tigers 21, Rebels 14.

Mississippi State at Kentucky: Not to brand this the Disappointment Bowl, but the loser of this one heads into November winless in league play. Bullies 17, Wildcats 14.

South Carolina at Tennessee: If the Gamecocks win, Steve Spurrier will be 8-4 against the Vols with Florida and 4-3 against them with South Carolina. He went 1-1 against UT with Duke. Gamecocks 16, Vols 10.

Clemson at Georgia Tech: Each week, the nation keeps expecting Clemson to choke, but we're beginning to run low on weeks. Tigers 31, Yellow Jackets 23.